550 ISLE OF MAN. GEOLOGY. SANDSTONE. 



Although the calcareous strata which are found at 

 the southern side of the island following the red sandstone, 

 are not here visible in the place where they might 

 naturally be expected, it is probable that they exist in the 

 neighbourhood, concealed by the sea which flows over 

 them. This probability rests on the numerous fragments 

 of a similar limestone which are thrown up in unexhausted 

 succession on the western alluvial shore ; often so little 

 rounded as to render it probable that they have not been 

 long detached from their native beds. 



Such is the history of the principal tract of red sand- 

 stone occurring in this island. But there is another mass, 

 mentioned in the topographical description, and noted in 

 the map, which, however insignificant in dimension, is not 

 so in a geological view ; while, at the same time, it serves 

 in some measure to connect the limestone and the schist, 

 and to establish that order of succession from the primary 

 to the secondary strata, which is most common, and to be 

 esteemed most regular. 



On examining the map it will be seen to occupy a small 

 portion of the western side of Langness point. This rock 

 is here classed with the red sandstone, rather from its 

 geological position than its mineral character, since, strictly 

 speaking, scarcely any real sandstone is to be observed. 

 That substance occurs in one or two places only, seldom 

 exceeding a few inches in thickness, and occupying a very 

 small portion of the conglomerate beds of which it forms 

 a part. But as the whole mass possesses a distinct 

 analogy to that rock which is so often found occupying 

 a more considerable extent, and separating the primary 

 from the secondary rocks, there need be no hesitation in 

 considering it as a portion of the lowest red sandstone, 

 the remainder of which has possibly been removed by the 

 usual causes of waste, of which this shore presents abun- 

 dant indications. 



The total dimension of the conglomerate is but trifling. 

 Considered in its superficial dimensions, it forms a belt 



